INQUISITIVE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'inquisitive' contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive . While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing. // dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

Q: When can 'curious' be used instead of 'inquisitive'?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious , a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know. // children are curious about everything

Q: When would 'prying' be a good substitute for 'inquisitive'?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness. // prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv

Definition of inquisitive next

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own

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How does the adjective inquisitive contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

When can curious be used instead of inquisitive?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When would prying be a good substitute for inquisitive?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of inquisitive These black panels completely cover all of the SUV's windows from the inside, blocking sunlight and the prying eyes of inquisitive fellow campers. —

Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2024 Timothée Chalamet slouches through the movie with inquisitive, appraising eyes. —

Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024 The Australian version saw Australian leader Albanese and Jurassic World Dominion star Neill both grilled by a group of inquisitive young journalists. —

Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2024 Then, Hersh’s father Jon Polin took the podium, sketching out a portrait of his son as a wise, inquisitive, kind and gentle soul who was a top-tier conversationalist and an engine of justice in the family and beyond. —

Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquisitive